Can you take our picture?

The question is frequently asked by strangers, but sometimes friends. So here are some tips that Iwant people to take into account when I hand over my phone or camera for a picture with my beloved or a friend.

Take more than one. Chances are you aren’t wasting film since almost everyone uses digital. Take at least two pictures for people. We blink, look away, have someone walk through or have a finger over the lens. We can delete the bad ones so don’t be afraid to take a few. Also, offer a review. Let the person check the photo before you walk away.

Get the shoes. *ahem, men: get the shoes.* When a woman is dressed for an event (from a picnic to a wedding) she has definitely put thought into her shoes and they are an important part of the outfit. Take at least one vertical picture for her that includesher shoes. I’ve had people take pictures of me at various events and the picture, although full-body, cuts off at my ankles. Get the whole outfit, if it turns out they didn’t want shoes in the picture, they can crop them out… you can’t add them in so better safe than sorry.

This one almost got the shoes.

Give a warning. “Say cheese.” “One-two-three.” Say something so I know to smile and look at you. This is especially important when there are multiple people taking pictures.

We’re looking in 3 different directions, not sure who is taking our picture

Let them know what you see. If there’s a glare, flare or bright light behind the subject, let them know and potentially move to a new location.

Don’t scalp them. I’m short, my husband is tall… You probably have to be back a bit to get us both and that’s okay. Just don’t cut off the top of anyone’s head.

I honestly can’t count how many times I’ve really wanted a picture with someone and gotten back an un-shareable photo. It’s a big disappointment.

When you take good pictures for someone, you’re likely to get good pictures taken for you.

Ah! Seriously, I don’t understand why someone taking your picture doesn’t take more than one. I always take like 10 when I take them for someone else so they can choose if they like any of them but I feel like nobody ever takes more than one when I ask them to…maybe I need to be more literal when I ask :-P. Good post 🙂

What annoys me about people taking pictures is when we’re on vacation and I want something specific to be in the background behind us and the person takes the picture of just us…. even if I say, “can you make sure the ship is in the picture?” they still just take the picture tight around our bodies!! gaaahhhh. wish I had a personal photographer following us around for some of these big events and vacations. great post!